How can I spot an antique clock?

To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is ormolu furniture?

Ormolu furniture refers to the ornate decoration typically applied to French antique furniture. The decoration is made out of bronze and is then covered with 18 to 24 karat gold. You can shop a collection of ormolu furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an ormolu clock?

An ormolu clock is a timepiece surrounded by gilding, metal covered with a thin layer of gold. The clocks are usually very ornate and designed for display on a mantel or table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of ormolu clocks.

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I adjust a French mantel clock?

How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

French Ormolu Clocks

Marble Carrara Clock

Clock Hands France

Lyre Clock

19th Century Porcelain Clocks

Enamel Clock Face

Ormolu Sevres

Cartel Clocks

19th Century Mantel Clock 1860

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Louis XVI style, Mantel Clock 17"(43cm)

$6,572

Large Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A large and impressive, good quality 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and bronze

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 19th Century

$16,431 / set

Fine 19th Century Sevres Style Mantel Clock

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality late 19th Century French Sevres style mantel clock, having a wonderful gilded

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine 19th Century Sevres Style Mantel Clock

$10,269

19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and Sevres style porcelain mantel clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Mantel Clock

$6,580

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This mantel clock is a wonderful piece of French Neoclassical design. It is an unusual and very

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

$16,431

Napoleonic Gilt Bronze and Marble Obelisk Clock

Located in New York, NY

crisply cast French Imperial Eagles adorn the clock and refer to the figure of an eagle on a staff carried

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Napoleonic Gilt Bronze and Marble Obelisk Clock

$8,500 / item

Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

Located in London, GB

Louis XVI architectural gilt bronze and malachite clock French, late 18th century Measures

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Louis XVI Architectural Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

$16,431

Large 19th Century Raingo Fres, Paris Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality French 19th Century gilded ormolu and patinated bronze clock garniture, having a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large 19th Century Raingo Fres, Paris Clock Set

$13,692 / set

Pink marble Lyre shape mantle clock, 19th Century.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality late 19th Century French Pink marble and gilded ormolu mounts, of a sun burst and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pink marble Lyre shape mantle clock, 19th Century.

$5,203

Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon

Located in London, GB

Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 57cm

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon

$24,646

Rare 19th Century Sevres Style Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very fine quality French late 19th century Sevres style and gilded ormolu clock garniture. Having

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Rare 19th Century Sevres Style Clock Set

$38,384 / set

Gilt Bronze and Malachite Louis XVI Clock

Located in London, GB

Gilt bronze and malachite Louis XVI clock French, late 18th century Measures: Height 69cm, width

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Gilt Bronze and Malachite Louis XVI Clock

$16,431

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock

$10,281

19th Century Marble mantle clock and calendar.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

ormolu foliate mount to the top, a gilded clock face with an eight day, hour and half hour striking

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Marble mantle clock and calendar.

$11,652

Louis XVI Marble Mantle Clock by Jean-Nicolas Schmit

Located in New Orleans, LA

A horologic masterpiece of precision and beauty, this neoclassical marble and ormolu mantle clock

Category

Antique 18th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI Marble Mantle Clock by Jean-Nicolas Schmit

$18,850

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris

Located in Montreal, QC

This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports

Category

Antique 1810s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris

$4,200

Louis XVI style Mantle Clock, 19th Century 16.5"(42cm)

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very pleasing 19th century French gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, having a cherub

Category

Antique 1860s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI style Mantle Clock, 19th Century 16.5"(42cm)

$6,572

Raingo Fres, Paris. Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock

By Raingo Frères

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, having a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Raingo Fres, Paris. Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock

$6,161

Sevres style porcelain panelled mantle clock, circa 1890

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu mantel clock with hand painted Sevres style

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Sevres style porcelain panelled mantle clock, circa 1890

$7,941

Napoleon Empire Egyptian theme mantel clock with musical movement

Located in London, GB

A rare and unusual French Directoire/ Empire clock depicting Napoleon standing among trophies of

Category

Antique 1810s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon Empire Egyptian theme mantel clock with musical movement

$4,751

Antique Porcelain Mounted Gilt Metal Clock Set

Located in London, GB

This wonderful clock set displays many of the characteristics of the 18th century Rococo style

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Porcelain Mounted Gilt Metal Clock Set

$2,467 / set

Chinoiserie Style Gilt-Bronze and Enamel Figural Clock

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A rare Chinoiserie style gilt-bronze and enamel figural clock. This elegant and sophisticated

Category

Antique 19th Century French Chinoiserie Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Chinoiserie Style Gilt-Bronze and Enamel Figural Clock

$17,800

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

$13,023

French 19th Century Louis XVI style long case clock.

By Charles Frodsham

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very imposing fine quality 19th Century French longcase clock, having an ormolu casting of Father

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longcas...

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI style long case clock.

$75,309

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer

Located in London, GB

clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in France during the

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer

$24,646 / set

Fine Quality 19th Century Sevres Style Clock Garniture

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality 19th century French Sevres style porcelain and gilded ormolu clock garniture. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine Quality 19th Century Sevres Style Clock Garniture

$30,671 Sale Price

20% Off

Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Clock Garniture

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in London, GB

Gilt bronze and Sèvres style porcelain clock garniture French, 19th century Measures: Clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Clock Garniture

$61,616 / set

19th Century Louis XVI Style Champleve Enamel Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality, 19th century French gilded ormolu and champleve enamel clock garniture. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Louis XVI Style Champleve Enamel Clock Set

$7,530 / set

Antique Three-Piece Meiji Period Japonisme Vase Clock Set

Located in London, GB

Antique three-piece Meiji period Japonisme vase clock set French/Japanese, late 19th century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Japonisme Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Three-Piece Meiji Period Japonisme Vase Clock Set

$10,269 / set

Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

Located in London, GB

Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI gilt bronze and malachite clock French, late 18th Century Measures

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Antique Neoclassical Louis XVI Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock

$16,450

18th Century Louis XVI Cartel Clock By Le Nepveu

By Nicolas-Antoine Le Nepveu

Located in Amersham, GB

A rare 18th century ormolu cartel clock by Nicolas-Antoine Le Nepveu a Paris . This exceptional

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

18th Century Louis XVI Cartel Clock By Le Nepveu

$10,363

Napoleon III Period Mantel Clock by Barbedienne

By Ferdinand Barbedienne

Located in London, GB

This stunning clock expertly showcases the ingenuity of its maker, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and its

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Napoleon III Period Mantel Clock by Barbedienne

$10,281

Antique Cloisonne Enamel and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

Located in London, GB

. The central clock has a shaped ormolu base, set with a panel of cloisonne enamel at the front, and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Antique Cloisonne Enamel and Gilt Bronze Clock Set

$16,431 / set

Empire Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Empire period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Empire Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

$19,169

Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Glass Clock Set

Located in London, GB

beautifully-cast and gilded bronze (ormolu). The clock set is made up of a mantel clock, which is flanked

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Glass Clock Set

$34,231 / set

Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical style gilt bronze and malachite mantel clock French, late 19th Century Measures

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Mantel Clock

$11,638

A Fine Louis XVI Style Clock Garniture by François Linke

By François Linke

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

‘Maison COLIN’. France, Circa 1900. Dimensions of Clock: Height : 44 cm 17 inches Width : 28 cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

A Fine Louis XVI Style Clock Garniture by François Linke

$32,862

French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu garniture set

By Baccarat

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and high quality French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu

Category

Antique 19th Century French Charles X Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

French 19th century Charles X Period Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu garniture set

$33,900 / set

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Enamel Miniature Carriage Clock

Located in London, GB

Antique French gilt bronze and enamel miniature carriage clock French, late 19th Century Clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Carriage Clocks and Travel...

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Enamel Miniature Carriage Clock

$11,652

Raingo Freres Three-Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set

By Raingo Frères

Located in London, GB

scrolling ormolu base, holding aloft five lights emerging from a floral display. The clock dial is

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Raingo Freres Three-Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set

$24,675 / set

Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock by Ernest Royer

Located in London, GB

be given as a unique gift to a loved one. The clock is the work of Ernest Royer, an important French

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock by Ernest Royer

$16,431

Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture

Located in London, GB

clock and two candelabra. The rectangular body of the clock is of lapis lazuli and is surmounted by a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture

$32,862 / set

19th Century After Sevre Louis XV Style Mantel Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Austin, TX

This magnificent 19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock Set, crafted in the style of Sèvres

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century After Sevre Louis XV Style Mantel Clock Set

$2,499

Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne

By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne

Located in London, GB

This ormolu clock is an exemplary work by the famous French 19th century metalworker and foundry

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne

$102,694

A Louis XVI Style Cartel Clock and Companion Barometer

By Pierre Gouthiere

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and Jasperware Mounted Cartel Clock and Companion Barometer, After

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

A Louis XVI Style Cartel Clock and Companion Barometer

$79,416

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

Rococo style gilt bronze mounted porcelain clock garniture French, late 19th century Measures

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture

$10,269 / set

Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set

Located in London, GB

French clock set is beautifully crafted from ormolu and a later malachite veneer. The central clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set

$32,862 / set

Restauration Period Opaline Glass Clock Set by De Boussiard

Located in London, GB

vase shaped clock with circular dial signed 'AUG. de Boussiard' and twin ormolu swan-head handles, the

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration More Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Restauration Period Opaline Glass Clock Set by De Boussiard

$32,862 / set

A Rare 18th Century Ormolu Desk Clock by Etienne Le Noir, Paris

By Etienne LeNoir

Located in Tarzana, CA

This French Louis XV ormolu bronze clock, crafted by Etienne Le Noir A Paris in the 18th century

Category

Antique 18th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A Rare 18th Century Ormolu Desk Clock by Etienne Le Noir, Paris

$35,000

Late Empire Period Clock of Chronos Carrying Away Time

Located in London, GB

feet in original ormolu and below the clock a truncated pyramid also in ormolu with pseudo

Category

Antique 1820s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Late Empire Period Clock of Chronos Carrying Away Time

$7,188

French 19th Century Renaissance St. Bronzre, Marble, and Ormolu Garniture Set

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

, patinated bronze, and ormolu garniture clock set. The clock at the center is raised by handsome lions paw

Category

Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Renaissance St. Bronzre, Marble, and Ormolu Garniture Set

$15,800

Louis XVI Period Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Clock

Located in London, GB

Louis XVI period gilt bronze mounted malachite clock French, late 18th century Measures: Height

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XVI Period Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Clock

$16,431

Napoléon III Sèvres Style Clock Garniture, Gilt-Bronze Porcelain

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

-Piece Clock Garniture Comprising a mantel clock and a pair of five-light vase candelabra. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Napoléon III Sèvres Style Clock Garniture, Gilt-Bronze Porcelain

$52,031

Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in London, GB

This beautiful mantel clock has been designed in an 18th century Rococo style, which was

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

$11,652

Louis XVI Style Pink Porcelain Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality French 19th Century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and 'Severs' style pink

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Pink Porcelain Mantel Clock, 19th Century

$4,792

Gilt bronze mantel clock in form of Roman ruin

Located in London, GB

onto the clock. Roblin was an important clock-making company, which flourished in France in the late

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Gilt bronze mantel clock in form of Roman ruin

$13,007

Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie

By Jean-Simon Deverberie

Located in London, GB

Antique Empire period gilt-bronze mantel clock by Deverberie French, c.1805 Measures: Height 67cm

Category

Antique Early 1800s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie

$75,309

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French Ormolu Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of French ormolu clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique French ormolu clocks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, ormolu and bronze. There are all kinds of French ormolu clocks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Louis XVI, Empire and neoclassical French ormolu clocks are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made French ormolu clocks over the years, but those made by Japy Frères, Raingo Frères and Samuel Marti are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are French Ormolu Clocks?

Prices for French ormolu clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, French ormolu clocks begin at $195 and can go as high as $1,919,381, while the average can fetch as much as $8,379.

Finding the Right Clocks for You

A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.

Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.

A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.

Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.

On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.

Questions About French Ormolu Clocks

How can I spot an antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is ormolu furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Ormolu furniture refers to the ornate decoration typically applied to French antique furniture. The decoration is made out of bronze and is then covered with 18 to 24 karat gold. You can shop a collection of ormolu furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an ormolu clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An ormolu clock is a timepiece surrounded by gilding, metal covered with a thin layer of gold. The clocks are usually very ornate and designed for display on a mantel or table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of ormolu clocks.
How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I adjust a French mantel clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

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